Native Village of Noatak Noatak IRA
Find news, updates and more from the Noatak IRA
Native Village of Noatak Noatak IRA
Find news, updates and more from the Noatak IRA
About Native Village of Noatak
HISTORY
Noatak, Alaska, has a rich history rooted in the Inupiat culture, who have inhabited the area for thousands of years, using the Noatak River for transportation and subsistence. The village itself was established in the 19th century as a fishing and hunting camp, growing into a permanent settlement due to the area's resources. The establishment of a U.S. Post Office in 1940 marked a shift towards formalization, while the present-day economy continues to be largely based on subsistence activities, which are a central part of the culture.
Pre-settlement and Inupiat history
- Ancient roots: The area has been used as a transportation route for at least 6,000 years, with archaeological sites stretching back even further.
- Traditional use: Inupiat people, divided into groups like the Nautaaġmiut ("inland river people") and Napaaqtuġmiut ("people of the trees"), lived along the river, relying on subsistence activities like hunting caribou, seals, and beluga whales, as well as fishing for salmon.
- Relocation: Some Inupiat groups relocated in the early 1800s due to famine and the decline of the Western Arctic Caribou herd.
Establishment of the modern village
- 19th century: The village of Noatak was officially established as a permanent settlement based on a 19th-century fishing and hunting camp.
- Early 20th century: Missionaries Robert and Carrie Samms settled in the area, which they called "Noatak".
- 1940: A U.S. Post Office was established in the village, signifying its integration into the American system.
Contemporary Noatak
- Subsistence economy: Despite other employment options, the economy remains heavily based on subsistence activities, such as hunting and fishing.
- Cultural preservation: Traditional practices are passed down from elders, and there is an emphasis on cultural preservation.
- Geographic context: Noatak is the only settlement on the 396-mile-long Noatak River, located about 55 miles north of Kotzebue and 70 miles north of the Arctic Circle.
Reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noatak,_Alaska
The Noatak IRA Tribal Office Directory
Administration
Office of ICWA Services
Noatak Utilities
Lucy Hall | Tribe Clerk
(907) 485-2172 | (907) 485-2173
Tristen Ashby | Tribe Administrator
(907) 485-2172 ext. 17
Bessie Monroe | Admin Assistant
(907) 485-2172 ext. 18
Wendell Booth | Custodian
(907) 485-2172
Fred Vestal | Trash Burner
(907) 485-2172
Mike Stalker | Van Driver
(907) 485-2172
Noatak Utilities
Office of ICWA Services
Noatak Utilities
Sharon Barger | Temporary Utility Manager (907) 485-2172 ext. 13
Paul Walton Sr. | Water Plant Operator
(907) 485-2204
John Williams | Water Plant Operator
(907) 485-2204
Office of ICWA Services
Office of ICWA Services
Office of ICWA Services
Training & Education
Accounting and Payroll
Office of ICWA Services
Stella Shy
Education & Tribal Enrollment Coordinator
(907) 485-2172 ext. 11
Roads Management
Accounting and Payroll
Accounting and Payroll
Accounting and Payroll
Accounting and Payroll
Accounting and Payroll
Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Vernon Adams Jr. | EPA Coordinator
(907) 485-2172 ext. 16
Philip Onalik | EPA Assistant
(907) 485-2172 ext. 15